Midwest Canada Minute - April 25, 2010 - 04/26/10 11:10 AM
Open Houses - Are They Worth It?
It is not uncommon when I am being interviewed by a seller prior to listing, to be asked if my team will do an open house.  My answer is "that depends".  Depends on what you may ask.  Well, let's consider some of the reasons for doing an open house, but also let's examine those factors that make some more successful than others.
The origin of the open house as a marketing strategy started with new home builders back in the fifties.  Near the entrance to a new urban subdivision they would set up a … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - April 18, 2010 - 04/19/10 10:51 AM
Emergency Shelters need Friends
I had the privilege last week of being invited to sit in on the regular monthly meeting of the Lloydminster Social Action Coalition Society as it discussed operational issues of its Men's Emergency Shelter.  It was interesting listening to the discussion between the volunteer board of directors and key staff.  Did you know that on any given evening between 14 and 17 males seek safety in the shelter.
Before entering the world of real estate I spent close to 30 years in health and human services working with a number of groups just like this across Saskatchewan … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - April 11, 2010 - 04/12/10 11:11 AM
Six Critical Success Factors for Investment in Real Estate
It's a rare week that I don't get at least one phone call or visit from someone who is considering investing in real estate.  Now I don't profess to be an expert in this aspect of the business as I am not an active player myself.  Even though there has been a number of times when I have recognized an opportunity for either short term or long term financial gain, fundamentally I don't believe in competing against my clients.  I guess I value my independence too much, and strive to be … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - April 05, 2010 - 04/06/10 11:19 AM
Buyer Beware
Usually this time of year Realtors start receiving phone calls from first time home owners experiencing water seepage in their basement.  Here is my view - basements and window wells are holes in the ground so we shouldn't be surprised that water will flow to the lowest point, therefore it is probable you will find water in basements if appropriate measures have not been taken to prevent it from happening.  Many times the new owner has forgotten over the winter to re-attach drain pipes to the eavestroughing so that the snow melt is carried away from the foundation.  Sometimes, … (0 comments)